Volume 134 | August 26 - 30, 2019
City and Moreno Valley College Launch Innovative "MoVaLEARNS-Mayor's Challenge"
Fifty Moreno Valley College students started school this week with a much better chance of graduating thanks to the MoVaLEARNS – Mayor’s Challenge initiative, which provides qualified students with a total $2,000 stipend for the 2019-20 school year .

MoVaLEARNS – Mayor’s Challenge is a first-of-its-kind monthly stipend program designed to help students stay and finish college. The 50 students, enrolled in the Moreno Valley College Career & Technical Education (CTE) program, will each receive a $250 monthly stipend for eight months. Dr. Yxstian A. Gutierrez, Mayor of Moreno Valley, surprised students with their first monthly installment at the recent kick-off event held during the annual MVC Welcome Day festivities. Check out the video!

“We want to increase our local graduation rate by helping students avoid the Earn vs Learn trap, which is when they take a break from school to earn money at a low-wage job, but then get stuck in that job and never return to school,” explained Mayor Gutierrez. “We are the first City in the nation to think outside the box with this innovative program.”
Pardon Our Dust as Road Work Continues
In addition to 57 residential streets being rehabilitated this summer, 15 segments of major arterials – the big streets – have been scheduled for improvements. The segments are on Alessandro, Cottonwood, Elder, Heacock, Hemlock, Iris, Moreno Beach, Pigeon Pass, Redlands and Sunnymead .

The work involves slurry seal application on moderately distressed roadways, and replacement of pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. The projects also include accessibility improvements (sidewalk ramps, etc.) to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The projects are funded by State gas tax revenue and a Community Development Block Grant. 
Missed the State of the City Event?
Here's How to Watch It
So you couldn't make it to MoVal's sold-out annual State of the City event. But that doesn't mean you can't watch it! A video version is now playing on MVTV-3 and is also available on the City's YouTube channel .

Mayor Gutierrez shared a lot of great news about the City Where Dreams Soar, including that we've added a remarkable 20,000 jobs in just the past six years !
A Big Solution for Small Businesses:
Managing Cash Flow to Maximize Profit
Businesses that start to see a profit early have a much better shot at surviving and growing. And properly managing cash flow is critical to profitability. 

Attend this FREE “Profit First” method workshop to learn from noted business advisor Sylvia Guardado how to transform your business from a cash-eating monster into a money-making machine.
 
"Making Profit a Priority"
Wednesday, September 4, 9–11 a.m.
Moreno Valley Employment Resource Center
12625 Frederick St. , Suite K-3

YouthFest Returns September 7!
The Parks & Community Services Department is hosting our City's annual YouthFest on Saturday, September 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at TownGate Memorial Park, 13051 Elsworth St. This popular, FREE event showcases youth-oriented resources, businesses and services. It's a great opportunity for families to visit the park and enjoy a variety of information booths, food vendors, free entertainment, Police and Fire vehicle displays, face painting, games, opportunity drawings and a whole lot of activities for children.

Applications for information booths and performances are now being accepted. Visit the Parks & Community Services section of the City's website or call 951-413-3280 to learn more.
Pet of the Week Video: Super Cooper
Meet Cooper (A499539) . He's a Chihuahua shorthair mix. This playful little eight-year-old loves having human companionship. That wagging tail just never stops! All Cooper wants is a loving family to welcome him home. He's sure to return all the love he's shown. Maybe you're ready to be Cooper's special human!

Please visit the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter located at 14041 Elsworth St. to inquire about adopting sweet little Cooper and other dogs and cats searching for life companions. Animal Services can be reached at 951-413-3790 .